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Colombia reports three soldiers killed in rebel drone attack

The Colombian government has blamed the National Liberation Army (ELN) for an assault on a military installation that involved unmanned aircraft dropping explosives. Three service members were reported killed in the strike.

LSN World News · 5 September 2026

Colombia reports three soldiers killed in rebel drone attack

Colombian authorities said the ELN rebel group carried out an attack on a military compound using drone-delivered ordnance, resulting in three fatalities among armed forces personnel. The assault marks the latest in a series of confrontations between government forces and the insurgent organization.

The ELN, Colombia's second-largest rebel group, has conducted numerous operations against military targets in recent years despite ongoing peace negotiations with Bogotá. The use of unmanned aerial systems in the attack reflects evolving tactics employed by non-state armed groups across the region.

Defense officials did not immediately provide additional details regarding the location of the targeted compound or circumstances surrounding the incident. The Colombian government has intensified military operations against rebel organizations as part of broader security efforts.

The attack underscores persistent security challenges facing Colombia despite previous efforts to reach peace settlements with armed groups. ELN negotiations with the government have experienced repeated breakdowns and resumptions over the past decade.